The Future of Judgment in Doubt After Actor Arrested for Drug Offences

Judgment, the latest game by Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku, has had its future put into doubt after the arrest of an actor who plays a role in the game.

As reported by the Japan Times, Pierre Taki, whose real name is Masanori Taki, was arrested yesterday following tip offs related to cocaine use. Taki plays the role of Kyohei Hamura in Judgment, which is known as Judge Eyes in Japan, and is also a member of a techno-pop duo called Denki Groove.

Following his arrest, SEGA has halted further sales of Judgment in Japan. In a notice on its Japanese website it stated “We have received arrest reports and are currently confirming the facts, but for the time being we have decided to refrain from shipping and DL sales of the product… We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers and related parties.”

Judgment was set for a June release in the west, but its future now hangs in the balance depending on how SEGA wishes to proceed with the matter. It would be a real shame if the game is effectively cancelled, but the ball is in SEGA’s court. Taki, meanwhile, potentially faces a prison sentence of up to seven years.